The Epidemic of Addiction
Understanding the scope and impact of addiction in America. These statistics reveal why our mission is so critical.
The Why Behind Our Mission
These are not just numbers — they represent real people, families, and communities devastated by addiction. Every statistic you see below is a person who could be your neighbor, your coworker, or someone you love. This is why HOPELinc exists.
The National Crisis
Addiction affects every demographic, every community, and every socioeconomic level across America.
Americans with Substance Use Disorders
17.1% of the population age 12+ (2023)
Americans with Alcohol Use Disorder
1 in 10 people age 12+ (2023)
Americans with Drug Use Disorders
Including prescription drug misuse (2023)
Receive No Treatment
41.1M people with SUD got no help (2023)
Economic Impact
Annual cost of drug abuse in the US
Annual cost of alcohol misuse (2010 estimate)
Federal drug control budget (2024)
Alcohol: America's Most Abused Substance
Despite being legal and socially accepted, alcohol abuse remains our nation's most widespread addiction problem.
Current Alcohol Use
Alcohol-Related Deaths
Treatment Gap
Pandemic Impact
The Drug Crisis
Illicit drug use and prescription drug misuse continue to devastate communities across America.
Current Drug Use
Overdose Deaths
Fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths
Highest Death Rates
The Fentanyl Crisis
Fentanyl and methamphetamine are the most dangerous drug threats the United States has ever faced.
Why Fentanyl is So Dangerous:
Other Growing Threats:
Who Is Affected?
Addiction doesn't discriminate, but certain demographics face higher risks and different challenges.
Age Groups Most at Risk
Highest rates of binge drinking and illicit drug use
757,000 teens with alcohol use disorder
Lower rates but larger total numbers
Gender Differences
Men
- + Higher rates of binge drinking
- + More likely to use illicit drugs (22%)
- + Account for majority of overdose deaths
- + Higher rates of alcohol use disorder
Women
- + 17% report recent illicit drug use
- + Faster addiction progression
- + Rising rates of alcohol misuse
- + Higher prescription sedative misuse
Mental Health Connection
Of Americans have any mental illness
LGBT+ adults with both SUD and mental illness
Dual Diagnosis: Many people with substance use disorders also have mental health conditions, requiring specialized treatment approaches.
Hope in the Statistics
Americans in Recovery
73% of the 30.5 million adults who acknowledge having had a substance use problem consider themselves "in recovery"
Treatment Success Rate
While relapse rates are 40-60%, this means 40-60% achieve lasting recovery — and many who relapse eventually succeed
Behind every statistic is a person created in God's image, deserving of hope, healing, and a second chance. Recovery is possible for everyone, and these numbers remind us why our work at HOPELinc is so vital.
Georgia's Challenge
Our home state faces its own unique challenges in the addiction crisis.
Local Impact
Why HOPELinc Matters
These Statistics Represent Real People
Behind every number is someone's child, parent, sibling, or friend. Someone who deserves hope, healing, and a second chance at life.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free."
Luke 4:18These statistics don't tell the end of the story. Through faith, community support, and organizations like HOPELinc, recovery is possible. We've seen the hopeless find hope, the broken become whole, and the addicted find freedom. Be part of changing these statistics for the better.